• Afternoon clouds cover the distance peaks of the iconic Boney Mountain

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Partial Park Closure Due to Hazardous Conditions

    Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa re-opens 5/14/13, with restrictions (sunrise to sunset, not all trails). Sandstone Peak & Mishe Mokwa trails will also open, as will Backbone Trail east of Point Mugu State Park boundary. Point Mugu backcountry remains closed. More »

  • Trucks on Cheeseboro Canyon Trail

    Occasional truck traffic (approx 6 trips per day) will take place on Cheeseboro Cyn Trail weekdays between 8am & 4pm for demolition and removal of Cheeseboro Tank. Should be completed by 5/24/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

College Internships

Interns in the Santa Monica Mountains learn many different aspects of park management including how wildlife and people interact.
Interns in the Santa Monica Mountains learn many different aspects of park management including how wildlife and people interact. This one is demonstrating how real-looking passive wildlife deterrents work instead of homeowners using chemicals that can cause harm to flora and fauna.

General Information

Santa Monica Mountains offer internship positions for both college and high school students. All interns must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Some intern positions are offered year round, others only during the school year.

High School students: click here for information.

College students gain experience using the information they have learned in the classroom, learn more about their field of study, and gain real world job experience working for a federal agency. Students may be currently enrolled or recent graduates (within last 4 years). Most intern positions are 3 or 4 months, full time. Some can be part time for 5 to 6 months. Some positions are weekday only, some may require weekend work. See the individual position descriptions for further information about days and length of time for that internship. Interns must have a valid driver's license and must have their own vehicle for their personal transportation to and from work. While at work, government vehicles may be available for intern use within the scope of their position. Knowledge of common computer programs (Word, Access or Excel) may be required for some positions. A stipend of $20 per day and/or housing (for full time interns) may be available. Some intern positions will require fingerprint and background checks.

College Student Intern Position Descriptions
(Click on the title for a full position description of the intern position.)

Current Internship Opennings

Before sending in your application be sure to view the most current internship openings.

Application Instructions

Describe in a cover letter which internship you want to apply for, how this internship will benefit your career and the period of time you will be available. Include in your cover letter whether or not you would need housing (housing is available for full time interns only), that you are aware of the stipend and that you have a vehicle for your personal transportation to and from work. Send your cover letter, resume, three reference contacts and an unofficial copy of your transcript via e-mail to sheila_braden@nps.gov

Did You Know?

Backbone trail hikes lead to views of mountains, canyons, and the Pacific Ocean.

Piece by piece, a trail is forging its way along the "backbone" of the recreation area. California State Parks took the first step toward a 65-mile Backbone Trail in 1978. With 5 miles left to go, single track trails and fireroads will unite this patchwork of public parklands from east to west.